Kingston's Block by Block code enforcement program resumes Thursday

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- City inspectors will soon kick off this year's "Block by Block" code enforcement program, according to Kingston Fire Chief John Reinhardt.

The program, begun in 2010 under then-Mayor James Sottile, is being continued under Mayor Shayne Gallo, who took office in January 2012.

The first area targeted this year will be Elmendorf Street, a neighborhood that has seen the stepped up enforcement program in the past.

The Elmendorf Street inspection will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, according to Reinhardt.

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Inspections will include checking the exteriors of properties and issuing tickets to property owners who are in violation of city codes. The city's Building Safety Division, police department and Department of Public Works will participate in the program, according to Gallo.

Gallo said he expects this year's Block by Block inspections to be conducted once every two weeks. In a few months. Gallo said, he also expects a part-time Midtown code enforcement officer will be hired to help with the code enforcement program.

The inspector is expected to be funded through federal funds from the Office for Community Development.

Gallo said the city does recognize that people are in tough economic times and may not have resources to do particular work needed to repair code problems.

"We understand these are tough times and we want to try and help people out," Gallo said last week. "On the other hand, we will be turning up the enforcement."

Gallo also said that the Block by Block inspections will have some focus on dilapidated, unsafe buildings. Legislation pushed by Gallo and adopted by the Common Council last July makes it easier for the city to tear down unsafe buildings.

If, during the course of inspections, buildings are found to be unsafe and proper repairs are not made the city could move to knock them down on its own, Gallo said.

However, the mayor added, if there are costs involved, he would have to request that funding through the Common Council. Eventually, the costs would be added to the property owner's tax bill, Gallo said.

Gallo has said the Block by Block program aims not only to crack down on property owners who are violating city codes but to ensure the safety of tenants.